Sade Adu's Enduring Style Celebrated Ahead of Rock Hall Induction

The British band Sade, led by Sade Adu, is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2026. Adu's signature style—characterized by scraped-back hair, red lipstick, hoop earrings, black dresses, denim, and polo necks—has become legendary. Her outfit from the 'Sweetest Taboo' music video is part of the inaugural exhibition 'The Music is Black' at V&A East, curated by Jacqueline Springer. A former model and fashion student at Saint Martin's School of Art, Adu wore a backless black leather dress designed by Fiona Dealey during a 1983 performance at Ronnie Scott's. Iain R Webb, a professor at Kingston School of Art, praises her minimalist aesthetic. Drake has two tattoos of her and a 9ft sculpture at home. The track 'No Ordinary Love' featured in 'Love Story'. TikTok creator River Brown manages the account @sadeaduwife, which boasts 365.6k followers. Adu’s fashion sense draws comparisons to Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich, linking her to icons like Dorothy Dandridge and Josephine Baker.